Palomar Mountain, California · San Diego County · Campground
Overview Crestline Group Campground is located in a wooded area on Palomar Mountain, at approximately 5,390 feet in elevation. Many trees including Black Oak, Cedar, White Fir and Live Oak surround the site. Crestline Group Campground is a convenient place for large families, church groups and other social gatherings o…
Overview Crestline Group Campground is located in a wooded area on Palomar Mountain, at approximately 5,390 feet in elevation. Many trees including Black Oak, Cedar, White Fir and Live Oak surround the site. Crestline Group Campground is a convenient place for large families, church groups and other social gatherings of up to 50 people. The facility is a popular recreation site for visitors going to the Palomar Observatory, a world-class center of astronomical research by the California Institute of Technology in North San Diego County. Hiking, biking and picnicking are available nearby. Recreation The campground makes a good base camp for visiting the Palomar Observatory Visitor Center and Palomar Mountain State Park or exploring the surrounding forest. Day hiking, backpacking, biking, picnicking and scenic driving are available in the area. Facilities The accessible site is equipped with several picnic tables in the campground and cooking area, as well as an accessible vault toilet. RVs with a maximum length of 27 feet can be accommodated. No electricity. Natural Features The campground sits at an elevation of 5,390 feet in the Palomar Mountains of Southern California. The site is forested but has plenty of open space for star gazing and playing. Nearby Attractions The campground is adjacent to Palomar Mountain State Park and less than a two-hour drive from San Diego, California.
Photos
Site entrance sign, National Forest Group Campground Crestline. — Palomar Ranger DistrictWater spigot near kitchen area. — Palomar Ranger DistrictGroup area for Crestline Group Campground. — Palomar Ranger DistrictPicnic table on slope. — Palomar Ranger DistrictPicnic tables on a slope. — Palomar Ranger DistrictGroup fire ring with benches around. — Palomar Ranger DistrictGroup area, pictured 6 picnic tables, one kitchen table, large fire grill, three benches, and group fire ring. — Palomar Ranger DistrictSidewalk entrance to group campground. — Palomar Ranger DistrictGate entrance for Crestline Group Campground. — Palomar Ranger DistrictGroup fire ring with group benches. — Palomar Ranger DistrictParking for Crestline Group Campground. — Palomar Ranger DistrictParking with restroom pictured in the background. — Palomar Ranger District
How to Get There
From San Diego, California, follow U.S. Highway 15 north to State Highway 76. Proceed east to County Road S6. Take S6 north to the top of Palomar Mountain. Group campground is at the junction of County Roads S6 and S7.
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to Crestline Group Campground
Heading to Crestline Group Campground? A few things to know before you go:
Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Crestline Group Campground?
No central reservation system listed for Crestline Group Campground. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/231949) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How many campsites are at Crestline Group Campground?
Crestline Group Campground has 1 campsites. Site amenities (hookups, vehicle limits, ADA access) vary — see the individual campsite pages for details.
How do I get to Crestline Group Campground?
From San Diego, California, follow U.S. Highway 15 north to State Highway 76. Proceed east to County Road S6. Take S6 north to the top of Palomar Mountain. Group campground is at the junction of County Roads S6 and S7.
